The Best Maui Poke Spots: 5 Authentic Eateries
Are you looking for the best Maui poke spots? This guide from a Hawaii local has all of the tastiest recommendations.
Poke bowls have become very popular in recent years, with poke businesses popping up all over the world. But, if I’m being honest, the vast majority of poke places outside of Hawaii are far from authentic. I’ve seen poke bowls outside of the island with chicken instead of fish, greens instead of rice, and even a smattering of Cheeto crumbs on top!
So if you find yourself in Hawaii, I highly recommend that you make some time to try authentic poke. The combination of fresh fish and bold seasoning is just absolutely incredible. Here are 5 incredible Maui poke spots to get the best poke around.
What Is Poke?
Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is a local dish from Hawaii that is typically made with cubed raw fish, soy sauce (shoyu), seaweed, and other seasoning. It’s definitely a local staple, which is why it’s also on my Hawaii food bucket list.
Poke-Related Words to Know
There’s a lot of local lingo (also known as pidgin) that you’ll need to know when ordering poke. Below, I’ve included a little cheat sheet.
Seafood
Ahi: Tuna (“ahi tuna” is saying “tuna tuna”)
Aku: Skip jack tuna
Tako: Octopus
Seasoning
Shoyu: Soy sauce
Limu/Ogo: A type of purple seaweed
Furikake: A dried green seaweed mixture with sesame seeds
Inamona: Roasted kukui nut mix
Miso: A traditional Japanese fermented soybean seasoning
Wasabi: Spicy Japanese horseradish
Shiso Leaf: A type of citrus-flavored leaf
Ikura: Roe (red caviar)
Masago: Capelin roe
Taegu: Strips of seasoned codfish
The Best Maui Poke Spots
I’m not too sure why, but the best poke spots on the island are concentrated in central-ish Maui, more specifically in Kihei and Wailuku. So as you’re exploring the best things to do on Maui, be sure to stop for a delicious poke bowl whenever you’re in one of these two lovely Maui towns.
As for as I know, none of the Maui poke spots below have seating areas, so you’ll want to take your poke elsewhere to enjoy it. Luckily, Maui is filled with beautiful beaches that are the perfect place to enjoy your meal.
*Note: Many of the places to get the best Maui poke spots closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully we’ll get to see them again in the future!
South Maui Fish Company
If you’re looking for the best Maui poke bowl, the first place you’ll want to try is South Maui Fish Company. This little food truck serves up some of the tastiest poke around – along with a few other fresh seafood dishes, all made from locally caught seafood. It was actually featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, once upon a time!
While South Maui Fish Company only serves up two types of poke – traditional and spicy – they’ve mastered both, so you really can’t go wrong. The real question is what you want to accompany your poke.
With the poke bowl, you’ll get a scoop of rice and a pineapple-coconut-infused slaw. With the poke bento, you’ll also get an added side of banchan, which are small, usually pickled veggie dishes. And last but not least, there’s poke by the pound, which is just delicious poke for you to savor all day long.
Address: 1794 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Deli
Just a mile away from South Maui Fish Company lies Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Deli. Usually just called Eskimo Candy, this Maui poke spot is a favorite because of its sampler plate. With just one visit, you can try every single poke that they make! And all four of the flavors – shoyu, wasabi, furikake, and spicy tuna – are all absolutely delicious.
If you happen to be visiting with someone who doesn’t love raw fish, Eskimo Candy also offers many cooked seafood dishes, like fish ‘n’ chips, shrimp scampi, and garlic shrimp rice bowls.
Address: 2665 Wai Wai Pl, Kihei, HI 96753
Like Poke?
Like Poke? is another Maui food truck that serves up some delicious poke. This Wailuku eatery boasts four different types of poke: shoyu ginger, shoyu wasabi, spicy, and Hawaiian. And all of them are fantastic.
While you can enjoy your poke raw (which is the traditional way to eat it), Like Poke? also gives customers the unique option to enjoy their poke cooked. Try the baked version or one of the three fried versions (original, hurricane, or spicy). And to really round out the one-of-a-kind experience, get the furikake curly fries on the side!
Address: 1960 Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Kaohu Store
Kaohu Store is where many locals get their poke. This particular Maui poke spot is actually frequented by the famous Maui-raised cookbook author, Alana Kysar. I mention her cookbook, Aloha Kitchen, pretty much every chance I get, so if she thinks Kaohu Store’s poke is worth it, it’s probably worth it.
This little store has loads of poke flavors – too many to list, if I’m being honest. There’s ogo poke, Hawaiian poke, furikake salmon poke, and shoyu ahi poke, just to start. But everyone raves about the spicy ninja, which is a creamy, ahi-based poke that’s sure to please.
Address: 1833 Kaohu St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Tamura’s
The most convenient yet authentic Maui poke spot is Tamura’s. This local grocery store chain has a few different locations on Maui, including in Lahaina, Wailuku, and Kihei, so you’ll never be far from some solid poke (unless you’re driving the relatively remote road to Hana).
At any of these three Tamura’s locations, you’ll find a wide array of poke options. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, creamy, or salty, there’s definitely a poke bowl for you.
Addresses:
Lahaina Location – 226 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Wailuku Location – 230 Imi Kala St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Kihei Location – 91 E Lipoa St, Kihei, HI 96753
Where else can you get the best poke on Maui? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re visiting Oahu on your Hawaii trip too, check out our lists of the best Waikiki poke spots and Oahu poke spots.
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